Death, taxes, and Bruce Cassidy getting the Vegas Golden Knights off to a hot start. These are three things Benjamin Franklin said were inevitable (allegedly). These will come in due time, either causing joy or grief among the populace.
That's the case with the team starting the season, 10-4-2. They have 22 points and are in first place in the Pacific Division, despite injuries to key players like William Karlsson and Mark Stone. The team's seen superstars such as Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel carry the load.
That led to the team winning their first eight home games. That's thanks to a high-powered attack tied for second in the NHL in goals per game (4.13). The Golden Knights are averaging five goals per game at home, an impressive mark that makes beating them in Las Vegas near impossible.
Of course, that hasn't been the only storyline fans have been subjected to. Sure, Eichel and company have carried their weight on even strength opportunities. That's why the former second-round pick is second in the NHL in assists (20). But it's also capitalizing on opportunities, specifically from the lower lines.
Names like Keegan Kolesar (four goals, four assists) and Brett Howden (six goals, one assist) have suddenly emerged as viable options. They've come through in clutch moments, giving the team crucial points. Take Howden's overtime goal against the Utah Hockey Club as a perfect example.
There's no doubt their contributions will get the Golden Knights a nice playoff spot if things stay the course. But Howden's not the only storyline that fans should watch for from the first month. Here are five more that should catch the eye of hockey fans throughout Las Vegas.
The Jack Eichel-led top line has been phenomenal for the Vegas Golden Knights
It's no secret the Vegas Golden Knights are 10-4-2 to start the 2024-25 season. They've gotten plenty of scoring from big names, ranging from Jack Eichel to Pavel Dorofeyev. But it's that Eichel-led group that has been phenomenal for the Golden Knights so far.
In 13 games this season, Eichel, Mark Stone, and Ivan Barbashev have produced 15 goals and allowed eight (according to Natural Stat Trick). That's good for a GF% of 65.22, showing how the group has gradually exceeded expectations.
Another example of this is the expected goals for (6.55) compared to goals against (6.96). The line's play has been more impressive when looked at from this scope. The group has sent up silky-smooth passes and have frustrated defenders in the process.
If the unit can stay together for the most part, the Golden Knights will be a Stanley Cup contender throughout the season. Their excellent play has carried over in other parts of the attack, including the special teams. How, you ask?